Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari met with the Vice President of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, on Wednesday. The meeting took place at Zabeel Palace in Dubai. Both leaders discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations. They focused on expanding trade, economic cooperation, and investment opportunities.
President Zardari congratulated Sheikh Mohammed on completing 20 years as Dubai’s ruler. He praised the UAE’s transformation into a global hub for tourism, finance, and emerging technologies. Both leaders also discussed learning from Dubai’s development experience. They highlighted key areas such as ports, logistics, infrastructure, information technology, and digital financial services.
During the talks, President Zardari outlined Pakistan’s ongoing economic reforms. He mentioned initiatives for privatization and investment facilitation. He emphasized opportunities for the UAE to support infrastructure development, logistics, food security, and technology-driven projects in Pakistan. President Zardari extended a formal invitation to Sheikh Mohammed to visit Pakistan. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to deepen the strong ties between the two countries.
The leaders also acknowledged the contributions of the Pakistani community in the UAE. They noted that Pakistanis living abroad play an important role in strengthening people-to-people links. First Lady Bibi Aseefa Bhutto-Zardari, PPP Chairman Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, and Pakistan’s ambassador to the UAE were present during the meeting.
In a separate meeting, President Zardari met with Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Chairman and CEO of DP World, a Dubai-based logistics company. The president praised the company’s long-term partnership with Pakistan. DP World has played a key role in port operations, logistics, and infrastructure development.
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem highlighted Pakistan’s strategic geographic position. He said the country connects China, Central Asia, and the Arabian Sea. He called Pakistan a natural hub for regional and inter-regional trade. He also reaffirmed that the UAE would continue close cooperation with Pakistan.
President Zardari assured DP World of the government’s support. He promised fast-track approvals and institutional facilitation for partner enterprises. He emphasized the importance of long-term cooperation in rail freight modernization, inland logistics, and integrated freight corridors.
